Buffalo Chicken Lasagna

I absolutely love how this Buffalo Chicken Lasagna combines two of my favorite comfort foods into one incredible dish. The first time I encountered buffalo chicken lasagna was at a potluck, and I was immediately intrigued by the concept. When I developed my own version, I knew I wanted layers of shredded chicken tossed in tangy buffalo sauce, but the real magic happens in the cheese mixture. Combining ricotta with softened cream cheese and ranch seasoning creates this luxurious, cooling layer that perfectly balances the heat. As you build the lasagna, alternating between the spicy chicken, creamy cheese mixture, and tender noodles, you can already envision how amazing each bite will be. The generous topping of cheddar and mozzarella melts into a gorgeous golden blanket that gets slightly crispy around the edges. When it comes out of the oven bubbling and fragrant, and you cut into it to reveal those beautiful layers, you know you've created something special. The fresh green onions scattered on top add a pop of color and a mild onion flavor that ties everything together perfectly.

Why I love this recipe

This recipe holds a special place in my heart because it perfectly embodies what comfort food should be – bold, satisfying, and impossible to resist. I love how it takes the beloved flavors of buffalo chicken wings and transforms them into a hearty, family-friendly casserole that everyone can enjoy around the dinner table. The versatility is amazing too; you can dial the heat up or down by adjusting the buffalo sauce, and the ranch seasoning adds that signature flavor without needing to make a separate sauce. What really makes this recipe shine is how forgiving it is – whether you use store-bought rotisserie chicken or cook your own, fresh lasagna noodles or no-boil ones, it always turns out fantastic. I love that it can be assembled ahead of time and baked when you're ready, making it perfect for busy schedules or entertaining. The leftovers actually taste better the next day as the flavors meld together, and it reheats beautifully without drying out. Every time I make this, I'm reminded why it's become a staple in my recipe rotation.

What You Need From Your Kitchen

• Rotisserie Chicken: Shred into bite-sized pieces and toss with buffalo sauce until well coated
• Buffalo Sauce: Mix thoroughly with shredded chicken to create the spicy layer
• Ricotta Cheese: Blend with cream cheese, ranch seasoning, and sour cream until smooth
• Cream Cheese: Soften to room temperature before mixing with ricotta mixture
• Cheddar Cheese: Divide into portions for layering and topping the lasagna
• Mozzarella Cheese: Reserve entirely for the final cheese topping layer
• Lasagna Noodles: Cook until al dente, drain, and lay flat to prevent sticking

Let's Make These Together

Cook Your Noodles Perfectly

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your lasagna noodles and cook them according to the package directions, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. You want them al dente since they'll continue cooking in the oven. Once done, drain them in a colander and carefully lay them flat on a clean kitchen towel. This prevents them from sticking together and makes assembly much easier later.

Prepare Buffalo Chicken Filling

Take your shredded rotisserie chicken and place it in a large mixing bowl. Pour the buffalo sauce over the chicken and use tongs or a large spoon to toss everything together until every piece of chicken is coated in that tangy, spicy sauce. The beauty of using rotisserie chicken is that it's already seasoned and tender, saving you tons of prep time. Set this aside while you work on the cheese mixture.

Create Creamy Cheese Layer

In a separate large bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, softened cream cheese, sour cream, ranch seasoning mix, and one cup of the shredded cheddar. Mix everything together with a sturdy spoon or hand mixer until it's completely smooth and creamy with no lumps. This mixture is the cooling counterpart to the spicy buffalo chicken, and the ranch seasoning adds that classic buffalo wing accompaniment flavor right into the lasagna itself.

Build Your Lasagna Layers

Grab your 9x13 inch baking dish and give it a good spray with cooking spray. Spread a thin layer of the cheese mixture on the bottom to prevent sticking. Now comes the fun part – layering! Start with four lasagna noodles laid side by side, then spread half of your buffalo chicken mixture over them, followed by half of the remaining cheese mixture, and sprinkle with a cup of cheddar. Repeat this entire layer one more time, and finish with your final four noodles topped with the rest of the cheese mixture. Don't worry if it looks tall – it'll settle as it bakes.

Top with Cheese and Bake

For the grand finale, cover the top completely with the remaining cheddar and all of the mozzarella cheese. Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil – this traps steam and helps everything cook evenly. Slide it into your preheated 375°F oven and bake covered for 30 minutes. Then remove that foil and let it bake uncovered for another 15 minutes until the cheese on top is gorgeously golden, bubbly, and slightly crispy around the edges. Your kitchen will smell absolutely incredible.

Rest and Garnish

Here's the hardest part – waiting! Let your lasagna rest for about 10 minutes after it comes out of the oven. This resting time allows all those layers to set up properly, making it much easier to cut clean squares. While it's resting, chop up your green onions. Right before serving, sprinkle those bright green onions generously over the top. They add a fresh, mild onion flavor and make the presentation absolutely stunning. Cut into portions and serve hot!

pin it

Switch Things Up

I first made this lasagna for a Super Bowl party three years ago, and it literally stole the show from the game itself. My sister, who claimed she wasn't a huge buffalo sauce fan, went back for thirds and texted me the next day asking for the recipe. What I love about this dish is how it transforms simple ingredients into something extraordinary. The rotisserie chicken makes prep so much easier, and mixing the buffalo sauce right into the chicken ensures every layer is packed with flavor. I've made this on busy weeknights when I need something satisfying, and I've served it at parties where it's always the first dish to empty. The smell that fills your kitchen while it bakes is absolutely intoxicating. One time I made two pans thinking I'd freeze one for later, but both were gone by the end of the weekend. Now I know to always make extra because leftovers heat up beautifully and taste even better the next day.

Perfect Pairings

This Buffalo Chicken Lasagna pairs wonderfully with cool, crisp sides that balance its bold heat. Serve it alongside a classic Caesar salad with extra parmesan and crunchy croutons, or go for a refreshing cucumber ranch salad with cherry tomatoes and red onions. Celery and carrot sticks with blue cheese or ranch dressing make perfect accompaniments, staying true to buffalo chicken traditions. For beverages, ice-cold beer, sweet iced tea, or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc complement the spicy, creamy flavors beautifully. Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls are perfect for soaking up any extra sauce on your plate.

pin it

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I make this lasagna ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can assemble the entire lasagna up to 24 hours in advance, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and refrigerate it. When you're ready to bake, remove it from the fridge while the oven preheats, then add about 10 extra minutes to the covered baking time to account for it being cold from the refrigerator.

→ Can I freeze Buffalo Chicken Lasagna?

Yes, this lasagna freezes beautifully! You can either freeze it unbaked (assemble, wrap tightly in plastic wrap and two layers of foil, and freeze for up to 3 months), or freeze leftovers after baking. To bake from frozen, add about 30-40 minutes to the covered baking time. Leftover portions can be reheated from frozen in the microwave or oven.

→ How can I adjust the spice level?

The spice level is very customizable! Use mild buffalo sauce for a gentler heat, medium for moderate spice, or hot for those who love it fiery. You can also reduce the amount of buffalo sauce and mix it with a bit of ranch dressing to mellow the heat while maintaining flavor. For extra cooling, serve with additional ranch or blue cheese dressing on the side.

→ What can I substitute for rotisserie chicken?

You can use any cooked, shredded chicken you have on hand! Poached chicken breasts, grilled chicken, or even leftover baked chicken works perfectly. You'll need about 3 cups of shredded cooked chicken total. If you're using raw chicken, cook it thoroughly, let it cool, and then shred it before mixing with the buffalo sauce.

→ Can I use no-boil lasagna noodles?

Yes! No-boil noodles are a great time-saver. Just make sure to add a bit more moisture to your layers since these noodles absorb liquid as they cook. Mix an additional 1/2 cup of buffalo sauce with 1/2 cup of water and drizzle it between the layers. The noodles will soften perfectly during baking.

→ What sides go well with this lasagna?

Classic sides that complement the bold buffalo flavors include a crisp Caesar salad, celery and carrot sticks with ranch or blue cheese dressing, a cool cucumber salad, garlic bread, or a simple green salad with a light vinaigrette. The key is choosing sides that are refreshing and help balance the richness and heat of the lasagna.

Conclusion

This Spicy Buffalo Chicken Lasagna is a game-changer for anyone who loves bold, comforting flavors. The combination of tangy buffalo sauce with creamy cheeses creates an unforgettable dish that's perfect for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. The layers of tender chicken, smooth cheese mixture, and perfectly cooked noodles come together in harmony, while the ranch seasoning adds that signature cooling effect. Topped with vibrant green onions and extra melted cheddar, every bite delivers both heat and comfort. Serve it hot from the oven and watch it disappear!